What to wear to the races ...in the rain?

[reallybreexy]

Typically I'm at the races on Friday and it's due to be 15 degrees and rain.
We are going as a casual day out so no dresses etc
What can I wear?
I still want to look nice?

A rare foray into S&B for me just to say that (as a frequent race-goer), most race meetings are pretty much anything goes in terms of dress code (outside of Royal Ascot and a few other ones which are very strict) so don't worry too much about being uber-dressy although of course as you say it's nice to look smart.

My must-haves where weather is not to be relied on is waterproof, comfortable shoes - wedges or sandals best to be able to walk on grass and there's usually plenty of standing and walking involved, lots of layers for warmth (I go dress (or top and smart trousers if it's very cold), leggings/tights, cardi/jacket, big scarf) and either a smart waterproof coat (you see people wearing barber type waxed jackets even in the summer if it's damp, or just a tailored raincoat) or non-waterproof smart coat with a big golf umbrella for staying dry.

There should be indoor/sheltered areas open now to avoid the worst of the rain but it's good to be able to go down to the betting arena or the paddock without getting soaked!

When I say dress, I mean an ordinary/casual cotton summer dress like I'd wear in the summer to go to the pub or a restaurant or similar, not a cocktail dress or wedding-guest type smart dress, in case that wasn't clear (you do see people dressed up to the nines, 'ladies day' style for an 'ordinary' race meeting but it's absolutely non-essential, in fact I think where it's bad weather they look a bit silly tottering round on stilettos and in tiny skirts when the rain's hammering down ). If you are more of a trousers/shorts and nice top person for those occasions that would be fine. I would say wear whatever you'd feel comfortable in going out for a nice meal in summer, with added layers and waterproofing for our lovely GB weather!

A plastic mac and a Rainmate.